AmazonLocal launches into crowded daily deal market with a twist

As if there weren't already enough daily deal sites to choose from, today we have another: AmazonLocal.

Amazon's foray into daily deals doesn't come as much of a surprise. Honestly, it's surprising that it took this long. Of all the corporations that should be involved with daily deals, it should be a site that has been known for online retail for years.

At first glance, Amazon Local looks like it would go head-to-head with Google Offers (which has already launched in Portland), Groupon, and everyone else at this point.

Basically, Amazon users can just head to the "Your Deals" section on the website, from where they will be brought to an online marketplace filled with vouchers and deals for products and services offered by local businesses in a customer’s specified area.

However, there's one big difference with AmazonLocal versus the other daily deal sites. AmazonLocal aggregates deals from other providers without offering it themselves. Amazon.com Rewards Visa Card subscribers can also get up to five points for every dollar spent at AmazonLocal until December 31. After that, it's a maximum of three points per dollar.

It looks like Amazon will be expanding coverage for this service soon, but so far it only appears to be available for Boise, Idaho. Until then, eager consumers can sign up for a notification on when AmazonLocal will be available in their towns.

Considering just how many daily deal sites there are these days, this could be a refreshing change and a very useful tool. However, it's still only a matter of time until Amazon starts selling these offers themselves.